Fundamentals of Information Systems: Chapter 2
Reading Outline
Software (pp. 65-93)
Learning Objectives
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Identify and briefly describe the functions of the two basic
kinds of software.
Outline the role of the operating system and identify the
features of several popular operating systems.
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Discuss how application software can support personal,
workgroup, and enterprise business objectives.
Identify three basic approaches to developing application
software and discuss the pros and cons of each.
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Software Overview
Two main types: systems software, application software
Spheres of influence: personal, work group, enterprise
Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware
and acts as an interface with application programs. It plays a central role in the functioning of
the complete computer system and is usually stored on disk. It is also responsible for the
execution of the following activities:
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Performing common computer hardware functions
Providing a user interface and input/output management
Providing a degree of hardware independence
Managing system memory
Managing processing tasks
Providing networking capability
Controlling access to system resources
Managing files
Application Software
Proprietary versus off-the-shelf software
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Advantages of
Proprietary
Software
Development:
 Software more closely matches needs
 Development results are more controllable
 More flexibility in making changes
Disadvantages
of Proprietary
Software
Development:
 Development is generally longer
 It may be difficult for in-house system development staff to provide the
required level of ongoing support and maintenance
 Greater risk of performance problems
The purchase of off-the-shelf software also has its share of advantages and disadvantages;
among these are:
Advantages of
Off-the-Shelf
Software:
 Lower costs
 Lower risks
 Higher quality
Disadvantages
of Off-theShelf
Software:
 Organization may be paying for features it doesn’t require
 Software may lack important features
 Work processes may need to be changed to match software
Role of personal, workgroup, enterprise software applications
Groupware
Enterprise Resource Planning software
Programming Languages
Evolution of programming languages
Key Terms
 Application program interface (API): The interface that allows applications to make
use of the operating system
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 Application service provider (ASP): A company that provides software, end-user
support, and the computer hardware on which to run the software from the user’s
facilities
 Application software: The programs that help users solve particular computing
problems
 Command-based user interface: A user interface that requires that text commands be
given to the computer to perform basic activities
 Computer programs: The sequences of instructions for the computer
 Contract software: The software developed for a particular company
 Enterprise resource planning (ERP): A set of integrated programs that manage a
company’s vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization
 Graphical user interface (GUI): An interface that uses icons and menus displayed on
screen to send commands to the computer system
 Off-the-shelf software: An existing software program that is purchased
 Operating system (OS): A set of computer programs that controls the computer
hardware and acts as an interface with application programs
 Personal productivity software: The software that enables users to improve their
personal effectiveness, increasing the amount of work they can do and its quality
 Programming languages: The sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules for
constructing statements by which humans can communicate instructions to be executed
by a computer
 Proprietary software: A one-of-a-kind program for a specific application, usually
developed and owned by a single company
 Scalability: The ability to increase the capability of a computer system to process more
transactions in a given period by adding more, or more powerful, processors
 Software bug: A defect in a computer program that keeps it from performing in the
manner intended
 Software suite: A collection of single application programs packaged in a bundle
 Sphere of influence: The scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a
particular organization
 Systems software: The set of programs designed to coordinate the activities and
functions of the hardware and various programs throughout the computer system
 Time-sharing: The capability that allows more than one person to use a computer
system at the same time
 User interface: The element of the operating system that allows individuals to access
and command the computer system
 Workgroup application software: The software that supports teamwork,
whether in one location or around the world
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